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How the Premier League table would look without VAR

Published 13:15 11 May 2026 BST

Updated 16:08 12 May 2026 BST

Jacob Entwistle
How the Premier League table would look without VAR

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The assistant referee is at the forefront of huge controversy once more.

Sunday marked the possible biggest VAR moment in history so far. West Ham fighting for survival, Arsenal embarking on the title. 1-0, minutes to go on the clock, and Callum Wilson fires home a priceless equaliser. After a strenuous check, VAR ruled the goal out for a foul on David Raya in the build up. Fans left divided on the incident, the players furious and The Irons likely going down resultantly, all the discourse has since only been on this major VAR moment.

Former Man City and West Ham keeper Joe Hart was left furious at the incident: "Arsenal have lived off those scrappy, aggressive goals all season. Blocking keepers, crowding the six-yard box, little nudges here and there. Suddenly, when it happens against them, it’s clear and obvious. Give me a break."

Irons midfielder Tomas Soucek also did not mince his words, speaking to ViaPlay after the match: "It's a BIG error by VAR! I don't see any foul. Every game Arsenal does so many blocks, so many small fouls. And now suddenly they need the title and they get it. For football this is very disappointing. Even for Arsenal fans this is not what we want."

Though, where would teams lie in the table, if VAR didn't exist? As per AceOdds' brilliant research, we found out.

The first change is major. Arsenal wouldn't be in pole position for the Premier League, but instead Man City. Pep Guardiola's side would sit just one point between Mikel Arteta's Gunners, with a game in hand. Instead with VAR, Arsenal sit comfortably five points above City.

Elsewhere, Brighton would remarkably jump up to an incredible 4th in the table, with Bournemouth moving to 5th.

West Ham United would also still be in the relegation places, though Nottingham Forest would drop to 17th, with Tottenham Hotspur going above them.

Forest have gained six points due to VAR this season, whereas Spurs have lost four points.

So, how would the full table look without VAR's existence?

  • 1) Arsenal 74
  • 2) Man City 73
  • 3) Man United 65
  • 4) Brighton 60
  • 5) Bournemouth 60
  • 6) Aston Villa 60
  • 7) Liverpool 59
  • 8) Everton 51
  • 9) Fulham 48
  • 10) Chelsea 47
  • 11) Brentford 47
  • 12) Newcastle 45
  • 13) Leeds 44
  • 14) Sunderland 42
  • 15) Tottenham 41
  • 16) Crystal Palace 40
  • 17) Forest 37
  • 18) West Ham 36
  • 19) Burnley 24
  • 20) Wolves 20